Apple just unveiled the industry-first 3-nanometer consumer chips in the M3 line of processors. This includes the new standard M3, the M3 Pro, and M3 Max which can be utilized inside the new Macbook Pro and iMac units. This is important because the ‘process’ size, in this case 3-nanometers, refers to the size of the transistors in the chip. The smaller they are, the less power they require in order to operate which is why the M3 can execute the same tasks as the M1 but with half the power.
M3 Line
Compared to their own chips, Apple said the new M3 line is 30% faster than the M2, and 50% faster than the M1. Rendering speeds are also 2.5x quicker than the M1. Its Neural Engine capability is also staggering with it being 15% better than the M2, and 60% over the M1. Simply put, those upgrading from the M1 line will experience more improvement although those who have heavy tasks will still appreciate the increased capability over the M2.
All M3 processors are capable of Dynamic Caching wherein the GPU gets an exact amount of hardware memory for use in each task, giving it more headroom for processing. Combine this with increased memory of up to 128GB and the M3 can make even the most attainable model a powerhouse in processing and rendering. They even improved video streaming so that there’s less battery consumption while watching online.
In terms of specs, the M3 standard has an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and up to 24GB of unified memory. Following that is the M3 Pro with a 12-core CPU, 18-core GPU, and up to 36GB of unified memory support. Last is the M3 Max that has a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory.
M3 iMac
Two years after the revamped model, Apple has updated the iMac with the new M3 processor. It’s available in an 8-core or 10-core CPU, up to 24GB of RAM and 2TB of hardware memory. The color options remain the same with the base variant in silver, blue, green and pink, while the upper one can be had in yellow, orange, and purple.
Most of its specs remain the same save for small incremental updates like Bluetooth 5.3 and Thunderbolt 4. As with the previous Apple Silicon iMac, the M3 iMac’s accessories will come in the same color as the display. Price starts at PHP 84,990.
Unfortunately there’s still no update on the more robust iMac Pro despite this new generation update. It was discontinued in 2021, months after the introduction of Apple Silicon in late 2020. Apple has since then updated the lineup, even the expensive Mac Pro, to utilize their in-house processors but the iMac Pro is still nowhere to be seen. Those looking for a more capable Mac can only look towards the Mac Studio and Studio Display/Pro Display combination.
M3 Macbook Pro
The Macbook Pro also received the new M3 processor in both 14 and 16-inch models. Just like in the iMac, most of the hardware and features remain the same, save for the new Thunderbolt 4 connection and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. All models have up to 22 hours of battery life.
In the internals, the new MBP 14 inch can be had with the base M3 or the M3 Pro with a starting price of PHP 104,990. The MBP 16 inch has the M3 Pro and M3 Max and starts at PHP 159,990. A bonus for those opting with the M3 Pro and M3 Max is the new Space Black color option that’s exclusive for models with those processors, in both 14-inch and 16-inch guise.
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